Lysimeter methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids includes a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and a plurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. A method of sampling subsurface liquids comprises using this lysimeter.

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS

[0001] This invention was made with Government support under ContractDE-AC07-99ID13727 awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy. TheGovernment has certain rights in the invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to methods and apparatus for subsurfacetesting. More specifically the invention relates to methods andapparatus for sampling subsurface liquids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Water and associated contaminants seep into the ground and travelthrough a subsurface region known as the vadose zone (a region ofunsaturated soil). How the water and associated contaminants move in thevadose zone, to a large degree, determines how much contamination (suchas gasoline additives, agricultural chemicals, or buried waste leakage)may end up in a water supply (such as an aquifier). Therefore, gainingan understanding of how the water and associated contaminants move inthe vadose zone is valuable for appropriate waste containment.Information regarding the movement of water and associated contaminantsin the vadose zone is generally acquired through the use of subsurfaceprobes or similar testing devices. Several apparatus and methods havebeen used to facilitate such testing and information gathering. Some ofthese apparatus and methods involve obtaining samples of subsurfaceliquids, while others test soil moisture or other parameters.

[0004] In regard to sampling subsurface liquids, various methods andapparatus have been employed, including extraction of a soil core,introduction of vacuum-based or absorptive devices or materials, use ofsuction lysimeters, solution samplers, and other methods. Although thereare several types of lysimeters, the term “lysimeter,” will be used inthis document to refer to a suction lysimeter.

[0005] The suction lysimeter is a hydrological instrument used to sampleliquids or to monitor soil or like substrates. The lysimeteraccomplishes this function by application of vacuum or pressure gradientprinciples such that the liquid of interest is drawn toward thelysimeter permitting collection of a liquid sample. Although thelysimeter is primarily a sampling device, it may also be used to providean indication of the water pressure (positive or negative). This is doneby applying a vacuum, allowing the sampler to pressure equilibrate withthe surrounding material being sampled, and recording this pressure.

[0006] Although prior lysimeters have been useful in gathering muchinformation, such lysimeters have several shortcomings which havelimited their usefulness. For example, prior lysimeters cannot beinstalled without prior excavation or drilling, and in contaminatedareas such excavation or drilling is highly undesirable as it would tendto spread contamination. Additionally, such lysimeters have providedonly small samples of subsurface liquids.

[0007] Another problem is that lysimeters are very fragile. They aremade of ceramic, tin, copper, plastics, or similar such materials andcannot be installed directly through difficult materials such ashardened soils, concrete, steel, other metals, or waste products.

[0008] Monitoring and testing to determine the movement of subsurfacewater and associated contaminants is particularly valuable when dealingwith waste disposal sites that contain radiological contaminants orother hazards. However, as described above, placing probes into thesubsurface for data collection in such sites has not been feasible,because the placing of such probes would require drilling or coringwhich would bring contaminated “cuttings” to the surface and wouldcreate a pathway through which contaminated emissions may escape. As aresult, test probes have typically been placed in areas around suchwaste sites. Unfortunately, such probe placement only providesinformation when the contaminants have already migrated outside of thewaste disposal site area. Moreover, at the point when the contaminantshave already migrated outside of the waste disposal site area, it islikely that a major contaminant plume already exists in the subsurfacesoil and aquifer making remediation and containment efforts much moredifficult and costly.

[0009] In view of the foregoing, it would be highly desirable to providemethods and apparatus which facilitate subsurface testing and samplingin both contaminated and non-contaminated areas, while substantiallyavoiding these and other shortcomings of the prior devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

[0011]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, partly in section, showing alysimeter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,and also showing a portion of a probe casing.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a front elevational view, partly in section, showingprobe casings and the lysimeter of FIG. 1 positioned for use in asubstrate. The lysimeter cap is also shown.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partly in section, showing alysimeter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance ofthe constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote theprogress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

[0015] The invention relates to methods and apparatus for subsurfacetesting. More specifically, the invention relates to methods andapparatus for sampling subsurface liquids from the substrate. Oneembodiment of the invention allows such sampling to be carried out ineither contaminated or non-contaminated sites without the need fordrilling, coring, or prior excavation. In one embodiment, a methodincludes placing the instrumented probe into the substrate using directpush, sonic drilling, or a combination of direct push and sonicdrilling.

[0016]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a lysimeter 6 for sampling subsurface liquids.The lysimeter 6 includes a lysimeter casing 61. The lysimeter casing 61includes a drive portion 62, a reservoir portion 63, and a tip portion65. The tip portion 65 includes a sample passageway 66, through whichsubsurface liquids may be sampled. A fluid conduit 73 is coupled influid flowing relation relative to the sample passageway 66, and inoperation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquidsfrom the sample passageway 66 to the reservoir portion 63 of thelysimeter 6. A plurality of tubes 74 are provided. One of the tubes is asampling tube that facilitates delivery of the sampled subsurfaceliquids from the reservoir portion 63 to the land's surface 45 fortesting. Another of the tubes 74 is used for applying a vacuum orpressure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the sample passageway 66 for samplingsubsurface liquids comprises nominal pore openings of about 0.2 micronto about 1 micron through a stainless steel membrane 82; however, othermaterials and sizes are possible. The stainless steel membrane 82 may beaffixed in any appropriate manner. For example, in one embodiment thestainless steel membrane 82 may be welded into place. In the depictedembodiment the stainless steel membrane 82 is held captive by the tip65. The tip 65 and nose portion 67 shield the stainless steel membrane82 from large compressive and tensile loads. The nose portion 67 islonger than the membrane 82 and therefore picks up compressive andtensile loading that could otherwise be seen by the membrane 82. O-rings77 provide a seal. The reservoir portion 63 of the lysimeter 6 has, inone embodiment, a volume of about one liter. However, other volumes arecontemplated.

[0018] A step 90 provides a compacting function and provides for goodcontact with the soil. The step is achieved by an increase in diameteror periphery relative to length.

[0019]FIG. 3 shows construction details of a tube spacer assembly orimpact delimiter 50. The spacer 50 absorbs vibration and holds thereservoir sample tubes 74 in place. The spacer 50 is constructed fromtwo thin circular plates or disks 51 that have holes in them. The largerholes 52 are openings for the tubes 74 to pass through. The plates 51also have smaller holes 53 (which are located proximate the plate'sperimeter in the illustrated embodiment) that allow the sample to passthrough them. The two plates 51 are connected together by rods 54. Inone embodiment, the rods 54 are weld filler rods that are fused to thetwo disks. In alternative embodiments, the rods are thin rodsconstructed from wire, thin bar shapes, etc. Using weld filler rodprovides for a simple construction. The tube spacer assembly's purposeis to protect the lysimeter components within the upper reservoir 63from the vibrational loads they would normally experience while theprobe is being advanced into the ground. The tube spacer assembly 50acts as a impact delimiter to absorb vibrational energy and minimizetube 74 lateral deflection. The reservoir tubes 74 will deflect, but thespacer assembly 50 prevents large displacements, which in turn protectstube connection welds, and therefore protects the internal componentsfrom shaking themselves apart. The tube spacer assembly 50 is built forflexibility and is a sacrificial component (i.e., is allowed to impactthe reservoir's internal cavity walls and deform) so that the internaltube and connection components are not damaged. If the tube spacerassembly 50 is not used, it is possible that the internal reservoirtubing 74 and valve 89 would oscillate within the reservoir 63 duringsonic probe advancement, and become bent, damaged, and compromise thelysimeter's function.

[0020] The tube spacer assembly 50 utilizes the circular plates (ordisks) to absorb energy from lateral vibrational loads. The disks 51impact the internal reservoir walls and are allowed to plasticallydeform (i.e., bend), but also prevent the tube components 74 and valve89 from swinging or experiencing large deflections. The two disks areused along the internal tubing length, to provide uniform displacementcontrol. The extending rods 54 connect the disks 51 together and alsoare extended within the reservoir to the cavity ends 55 and 56, so thatthe disks 51 remain in approximately the same position along thereservoir's length. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube spacerassembly 50 is constructed entirely from stainless steel, for maximumcorrosion resistance. The weld filler rod is also constructed fromstainless steel. In this way, the water sample is not contaminated bythe tube spacer within the reservoir 63. The tube spacer assembly 50could be constructed from other materials as well.

[0021] The lysimeter casing 61 shown in FIGS. 1-3 comprises stainlesssteel. However, any suitable material may be used to construct thelysimeter casing or tubing 61. In one embodiment, the lysimeter casing61 comprises stainless steel, and is of adequate durability forinstallation into a substrate by direct push, by sonic drilling, or by acombination of direct push and sonic drilling.

[0022] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive portion 62 of thelysimeter casing 61 is configured to selectively couple to the end 12 ofa probe casing 11 at a drive connection joint 83 (only a portion of aprobe casing 11 is shown in FIG. 1). Stated in other terms, the driveportion 62 of the lysimeter casing 61 is configured to selectivelycouple to the instrument receiving end 27 of an insertion tube 26 at thedrive connection joint 83. The drive connection joint 83 includes adrive connection seal 84 which functions as a substantial barrier tocontaminants.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the drive connection seal84 comprises a plurality of seals. Specifically, in the depictedembodiment, the drive connection seal 84 comprises two seals, such astwo o-ring seals 85, which function as a substantial barrier tocontaminants. The drive connection joint 83 includes a bearing surface86 which functions to isolate the drive connection seal 84 and toprotect the drive connection seal 84 from large loads as the lysimeter 6is inserted into the ground 8.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of probe casings 11 are showncoupled in series to form an insertion tube 26 (i.e. two such probecasings 11 are shown). The insertion tube 26 has an instrument receivingend 27 which is configured to selectively couple with the drive portion62 of the lysimeter casing 61. The insertion tube 26 also has a surfaceend 28 and an insertion tube wall 29. Together, the instrument receivingend 27, the surface end 28, and the insertion tube wall 29 define acentral cavity 30 (shown in phantom lines). A lysimeter cap 57 isconfigured for ground surface connection and prevents incorrect vacuumpump attachment. The cap 57 is also weather resistant, lending furtherprotection to instruments above ground surface

[0025] As described above, the plurality of probe casings 11 areselectively coupled to form an insertion tube 26. In the illustratedembodiment, the insertion tube 26 so formed has an outside diameter orperiphery of less than four inches. The outer wall or sidewall 14 of theprobe casings 11 defines an outside diameter or periphery of the probecasings, which is the same as the outside diameter or periphery of theinsertion tube 26 formed when the respective probe casings 11 areselectively coupled (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the outside diameter ofthe insertion tube 26 is less than five and five-eighths inches. In oneembodiment, the outside diameter of the insertion tube 26 is about twoand one-half inches. Other sizes are possible. In one embodiment, thelysimeter casing 61 has an outside diameter or periphery correspondingto the outside diameter or periphery of the probe casings. For example,in one embodiment, the outside diameter of the lysimter casing 61 isless than five and five-eighths inches. In one embodiment, the outsidediameter of the lysimeter casing 61 is about two and one-half inches.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the instrument receiving end 27 of theinsertion tube 26 and the drive portion 62 to the lysimeter casing 61are configured so that they may be easily coupled. In one embodiment,selectively coupling the instrument receiving end 27 of the insertiontube 26 to the drive portion 62 to the lysimeter casing 61 requires lessthan four turns to fully engage the drive connection joint 83 and driveconnection seal 84. In the depicted embodiment, selectively coupling theinstrument receiving end 27 of the insertion tube 26 to the driveportion 62 to the lysimeter casing 61 requires two and one-half turns tofully engage the drive connection joint 83 and drive connection seal 84.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the insertion tube 26 functions as aconduit through which the plurality of tubes 74 may pass. In operation,one of the tubes 74 can be used to transfer sampled subsurface liquidsto the land's surface 45.

[0028] The insertion tube 26 and the lysimeter casing 61 are of anadequate durability for installation into the ground 8 by direct push,by sonic drilling, or by a combination of direct push and sonicdrilling.

[0029] FIGS. 1-3 also depict methods of sampling subsurface liquids. Onemethod includes providing a lysimeter probe 6. The lysimeter probe 6provided has a lysimeter casing 61 comprising or defined of (in oneembodiment) stainless steel. The lysimeter casing 61 includes a driveportion 62, a reservoir portion 63, and a tip portion 65. The tipportion 65 includes a sample passageway 66. An insertion tube 26 is alsoprovided. This insertion tube 26 includes a plurality of probe casings11 which have been selectively coupled at casing joints 25.

[0030] The insertion tube 26 formed by the selectively coupled probecasings 11 has an instrument receiving end 27, a surface end 28, and aninsertion tube wall 29 which together define a center cavity 30. Theinstrument receiving end 27 of the insertion tube 26 and the driveportion 62 of the lysimeter casing 61 are selectively coupled at a driveconnection joint 83. The drive connection joint 83 includes a driveconnection seal 84 which functions as a substantial barrier tocontaminants. A fluid conduit 73 which is coupled in fluid flowingrelation relative to the sample passageway 66 is provided. In operation,the fluid conduit 73 facilitates the delivery of sampled subsurfaceliquids from the sample passageway 66 to the reservoir portion 63. Thesampling tubes 74 are coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to thereservoir portion 63, and extend through the center cavity 30 of theinsertion tube 26, to facilitate delivery of the sampled subsurfaceliquids from the reservoir portion 63 to the land's surface 45 fortesting. The tubes typically include at least one-vacuum tube 88 and onesample tube 87.

[0031] The insertion tube 26 and selectively coupled lysimeter 6 areplaced into the ground 8 by direct push, by sonic drilling, or by acombination of direct push and sonic drilling. According to one method,the lysimeter 6 is placed into the ground 8 to a desired depth. Onemethod includes driving the lysimeter 6 into the ground 8 so that themembrane 82 will be in contact with subsurface liquids. Vacuum pressureis then provided to the vacuum tube 88 to pull a sample of thesubsurface liquids into the reservoir portion 63 of the lysimeter 6. Airpressure is provided to the air tube 88 to push the sample of subsurfaceliquids elevationally upwards through the sample tube 87. The airpressure closes a check valve 89 to prevent a sample from being blownout through the sample passageway 66. The check valve 89 is omitted inalternative embodiments, such as in deep installations.

[0032] A lysimeter has been disclosed that, in one embodiment, is of allstainless steel construction for corrosion resistance and longevity,with a porous stainless steel membrane design. The tip design isolatesand protects the porous membrane from large tension and compressionloads during probe installation. The design allows for easy replacementof or size selection for the porous membrane (as required). A robustdesign has been disclosed for large load (i.e., direct push, sonic, or acombination) emplacement through difficult materials (such as hardenedsoils, concrete, steel, other metals, etc.) The entire lysimeter is putin place with one action (there are not multiple parts), in oneembodiment. A double (redundant) o-ring design impedes contaminationtransfer. An inner spacer component protects sampling instrumentationfrom excessive vibrations. The lysimeter is designed for groundretraction, instrument and/or tip replacement, and reuse. A lysimetercap is configured for ground surface connection and prevents incorrectvacuum pump attachment. The cap is also weather resistant, lendingfurther protection to instruments above ground surface.

[0033] The invention provides robust lysimeters that are particularlyuseful for driving into highly contaminated waste, as well as otheruses. The lysimeters can be driven into difficult materials (e.g.,hardened soils, concrete, steel, other metals, etc.) that wouldtypically damage other tools. In the illustrated embodiments, smalldiameter designs are employed that require less energy for installationinto a sample. Reduced energy requirements allow for smaller drivingequipment resulting in lower cost.

[0034] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been describedin language more or less specific as to structural and methodicalfeatures. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the specific features shown and described, since the meansherein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention intoeffect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids, comprising: alysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tipportion spaced apart along a length dimension, the tip portion includinga membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled, thereservoir portion having an inner cylindrical wall; a fluid conduitcoupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the membrane, and which inoperation facilitates the delivery of the sampled subsurface liquidsfrom the membrane to the reservoir portion; a plurality of tubes coupledin fluid flowing relation relative to the reservoir portion, the tubesin operation facilitating delivery of the sampled subsurface liquidsfrom the reservoir portion for testing; and a spacer assembly in thereservoir portion, the spacer assembly including first and second disksspaced apart relative to the length dimension and having respectivecircumferences closely spaced relative to the inner cylindrical wall ofthe reservoir portion, the disks having apertures through which at leastone of the tubes passes, the disks further having apertures throughwhich sampled liquids may flow, the spacer assembly further includingrods extending from the first disk to the second disk, wherein thespacer assembly is configured to act as a impact delimiter to absorbvibrational energy, minimize tube lateral deflection, and thereby impededamage.
 2. A suction lysimeter in accordance with claim 1 wherein thelysimeter is reusable and comprises replaceable components including themembrane.
 3. A suction lysimeter for sampling subsurface liquids,comprising: a lysimeter casing having a drive portion, a reservoirportion, and a tip portion, the tip portion including a porous stainlesssteel membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled, and atip; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to themembrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampledsubsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and aplurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to thereservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of thesampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing, theporous stainless steel membrane being held in place by the tip.
 4. Thesuction lysimeter of claim 3, wherein the lysimeter casing comprisesstainless steel.
 5. The suction lysimeter of claim 3, wherein thereservoir portion is defined by a structural, load bearing member. 6.The suction lysimeter of claim 3, wherein the tip is defined by astructural, load bearing member.
 7. A suction lysimeter for samplingsubsurface liquids, comprising: a lysimeter casing having a driveportion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portionincluding a membrane through which subsurface liquids may be sampled; afluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to themembrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampledsubsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and aplurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to thereservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of thesampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. 8.The suction lysimeter of claim 7, wherein the drive portion of thelysimeter casing includes a drive connection joint configured toselectively couple to an insertion tube, and wherein the driveconnection joint includes a drive connection seal which functions as asubstantial barrier to contaminants.
 9. The suction lysimeter of claim8, wherein the drive connection seal comprises a plurality of driveconnection seals.
 10. The suction lysimeter of claim 8, wherein thedrive connection seal comprises two drive connection seals.
 11. Thesuction lysimeter of claim 8, wherein bearing surfaces at the driveconnection joint isolate the drive connection seal from large loads. 12.The suction lysimeter of claim 7, wherein the membrane for samplingsubsurface liquids comprises a porous stainless steel membrane having anominal pore opening of about 0.2 micron to about 1 micron.
 13. Thesuction lysimeter of claim 7, wherein the reservoir portion has a volumeof about one liter.
 14. The suction lysimeter of claim 7, wherein themembrane for sampling subsurface liquids comprises a replaceable porousmembrane having a predetermined pore size, the membrane beingselectively replaceable with another membrane having a different poresize.
 15. The suction lysimeter of claim 7, wherein the membrane forsampling subsurface liquids comprises a steel membrane.
 16. The suctionlysimeter of claim 7, wherein the lysimeter casing comprises stainlesssteel.
 17. The suction lysimeter of claim 7, wherein the lysimetercasing comprises stainless steel, and wherein the lysimeter is ofadequate durability for installation into a media by direct push. 18.The suction lysimeter of claim 7, wherein the lysimeter casing comprisesstainless steel, and wherein the lysimeter is of adequate durability forinstallation into a media by sonic drilling.
 19. The suction lysimeterof claim 7, wherein the lysimeter casing comprises stainless steel, andwherein the lysimeter is of adequate durability for installation into amedia by a combination of direct push and sonic drilling.
 20. Anapparatus for sampling subsurface liquids, comprising: a lysimetercasing having a drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion,the tip portion including a membrane through which subsurface liquidsmay be sampled; a fluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relationrelative to the membrane, and which facilitates the delivery of thesampled subsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; aplurality of probe casings selectively coupled to form an insertiontube, the insertion tube having an instrument receiving end, a surfaceend, and an insertion tube wall which together define a center cavity,and wherein the instrument receiving end is configured to selectivelycouple with the drive portion of the lysimeter casing; and a pluralityof sampling tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to thereservoir portion, the sampling tubes passing though the center cavityof the insertion tube, and which in operation facilitate delivery of thesampled subsurface liquids for testing.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20,wherein the plurality of probe casings have first and second ends, thefirst end of one probe casing being configured to selectively couplewith the second end of another probe casing at a casing joint to formthe insertion tube, and wherein the casing joint includes a seal whichfunctions as a substantial barrier to contaminants.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein the seal comprises a plurality of seals.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the seal comprises two seals.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 20, wherein the instrument receiving end of theinsertion tube is configured to selectively couple with the driveportion of the lysimeter casing at a drive connection joint, and whereinthe drive connection joint includes a drive connection seal whichfunctions as a substantial barrier to contaminants.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 24, wherein selectively coupling the instrument receiving end ofthe insertion tube to the drive portion of the lysimeter casing requiresless than four turns to fully engage the drive connection joint anddrive connection seal.
 26. The apparatus of claim 24, whereinselectively coupling the instrument receiving end of the insertion tubeto the drive portion of the lysimeter casing requires about two andone-half turns to fully engage the drive connection joint and driveconnection seal.
 27. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the lysimeterhas a maximum outside diameter of less than five and five-eighthsinches.
 28. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the lysimeter includes asurface having an outside diameter of about two and one half inches. 29.The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the membrane for sampling subsurfaceliquids comprises a porous stainless steel membrane having a nominalpore opening of about 0.2 micron to about 1 micron.
 30. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein the insertion tube functions as a conduit throughwhich the plurality of sampling tubes may pass.
 31. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein the insertion tube functions as a conduit throughwhich the plurality of sampling tubes may pass, and wherein inoperation, at least one of the plurality of sampling tubes transferssampled subsurface liquids.
 32. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein theinsertion tube and the lysimeter casing are of adequate durability forinstallation into the ground by direct push.
 33. The apparatus of claim20, wherein the insertion tube and the lysimeter casing are of adequatedurability for installation into the ground by sonic drilling.
 34. Theapparatus of claim 20, wherein the insertion tube and the lysimetercasing are of adequate durability for installation into the ground by acombination of direct push and sonic drilling.
 35. A suction lysimeterfor sampling subsurface liquids, comprising: a lysimeter casing having adrive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portionincluding a porous stainless steel membrane through which subsurfaceliquids may be sampled, a tip member, and a nose portion having an outercylindrical surface, and having an enlarged diameter portion defining anabutment surface, the membrane being received on the nose portion, themembrane having a first end that abuts the abutment surface and having asecond end, and the tip portion further including a tip member that issecured to the nose portion and includes an abutment surface that abutsthe second end of the membrane, such that the membrane is held betweenthe tip member and the enlarged diameter portion of the nose portion; afluid conduit coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to themembrane, and which in operation facilitates the delivery of the sampledsubsurface liquids from the membrane to the reservoir portion; and aplurality of tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to thereservoir portion, the tubes in operation facilitating delivery of thesampled subsurface liquids from the reservoir portion for testing. 36.The suction lysimeter of claim 35, and further comprising a seal betweenthe tip member and the membrane.
 37. The suction lysimeter of claim 36wherein the seal comprises a plurality of seals.
 38. The suctionlysimeter of claim 37, wherein the seal comprises two seals thatfunction as a substantial barrier to contaminants.
 39. The suctionlysimeter of claim 35 wherein the tip portion and nose member areconfigured to shield the membrane from compressive and tensive loads.40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the nose portion has a length,wherein the membrane has a length, and wherein the length of the noseportion is longer than the length of the membrane.
 41. A method ofsampling subsurface liquids, comprising: providing a lysimeter having alysimeter casing comprising stainless steel, the lysimeter casing havinga drive portion, a reservoir portion, and a tip portion, the tip portionincluding a stainless steel membrane and a tip member; providing aninsertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casings which have beenselectively coupled at casing joints, the casing joints including a sealwhich functions as a substantial barrier to contaminants, the insertiontube having an instrument receiving end, a surface end, and an insertiontube wall which together define a center cavity; selectively couplingthe instrument receiving end of the insertion tube and the drive portionof the lysimeter casing at a drive connection joint, the driveconnection joint including a drive connection seal which functions as asubstantial barrier to contaminants; providing a fluid conduit coupledin fluid flowing relation relative to the stainless steel membrane, andwhich facilitates the delivery of sampled subsurface liquids from thestainless steel membrane to the reservoir portion; and providing aplurality of sampling tubes coupled in fluid flowing relation relativeto the reservoir portion, and which extend though the center cavity ofthe insertion tube to facilitate delivery of the sampled subsurfaceliquids from the reservoir portion for testing, and wherein theplurality of sampling tubes includes at least one pressure tube and atleast one sample tube.
 42. The method of claim 41, and furthercomprising placing the insertion tube and the selectively coupledlysimeter into a media by direct push.
 43. The method of claim 41, andfurther comprising placing the insertion tube and the selectivelycoupled lysimeter into a media by sonic drilling.
 44. The method ofclaim 41, and further comprising placing the insertion tube and theselectively coupled lysimeter into a media by a combination of directpush and sonic drilling.
 45. The method of claim 41, and furthercomprising placing the lysimeter into a media to a depth of more than 10meters.
 46. The method of claim 41, and further comprising: driving thelysimeter into a media so that the stainless steel membrane will be incontact with subsurface liquids; providing vacuum pressure to thepressure tube to pull a sample of subsurface liquids through thestainless steel membrane and into the reservoir portion; and providingair pressure to the pressure tube to push the sample of subsurfaceliquids elevationally upwards through the sample tube.
 47. The method ofclaim 46, and further comprising removing and reusing the lysimeter. 48.The method of claim 46, and further comprising driving the lysimeterinto the media as a unitary device, such that no assembly of lysimetercomponents are required in the media.
 49. The method of claim 41, andfurther comprising forming the reservoir portion of a structural, loadbearing member.
 50. The method of claim 41, and further comprisingforming the tip member of a structural, load bearing member.